Ark Chess Player

Seeing this, Amiya quickly came over and said, "Dobermann, the Doctor isn't doing well right now..."

"What do you mean?"

"Simply put, it means... the doctor has lost his memory."

"What?!" Dubin turned to Lin Lu, tightening his grip on the whip. "We've lost so much, all for—"

“Dobermann!” Amiya emphasized, choking back Dobermann’s rude words. She didn’t back down at all. “The Doctor is still capable of commanding the squad. When Reunion sent a squad to hold off the E1 Operations Group, their main force was successfully subdued by the vanguard team under the Doctor’s command. At least based on the performance in this battle, I am willing to believe in the Doctor.”

"...I'm still not very willing to trust a stranger."

Dubin looked at Lin Lu, who still had his eyes closed and seemed indifferent, and couldn't help but get angry.

“If you think that ‘as long as you sit in the commander’s seat, you can relax and slack off as you please,’ I will definitely correct your thinking, Doctor.”

"Can I take that you have already approved me as the commander?" Lin Lu raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

“I don’t believe you.” Dobermann turned slightly, her back standing proudly like bamboo, her words sharp, “But I believe Amiya.”

“Doberman…” Amiya, who was anxious to protect Bo, wanted to say something, but Lin Lu stopped her by putting his hand on her shoulder.

“It’s alright, this is fine.” Lin Lu maintained his warm smile and said softly, “I don’t need your approval, I only need your obedience. Dubin, I believe you, who once served in the Bolivarian National Guard, must also understand this…”

Lin Lu narrowed his eyes slightly, his cobalt blue pupils radiating a deep and mysterious light.

"A team doesn't need the voices of two commanders."

Chapter Seven: Chess Pieces

Lin Lu looked up, opened his eyes, and gazed at the burning high-rise buildings, the destroyed streetlights, and the dark, overcast sky.

He was stunned for a full minute before finally loading the data map in his mind, letting out a long breath, and closing his eyes again.

He memorized the entire Ursus core area, including even the underground drainage system and the pipes connecting the Originium Engine.

If an unavoidable crisis were to occur, he could also directly break through the core area and separate it from Chernobog. The principle behind the mobile city is to divide an entire city into different parts, each equipped with its own Originium Drive System, allowing it to leave its original location at high speed in the event of a natural disaster.

Natural disasters are a collective term for the various natural calamities that frequently occur in the world of Terra.

Natural disasters include, but are not limited to, storms, snowstorms, heavy rainfall, floods, and even meteorite impacts. Natural disasters occur very frequently and their patterns are difficult to predict, forcing almost all countries to adopt the practice of periodically relocating their homes and settlements to avoid disaster.

A few regions are fortunate enough to be free from natural disasters year-round, but such environments are mostly unsuitable for human habitation.

"Doberman, where is our meeting point? Mark it on the map."

"...Doctor, can you see the map with your eyes closed?"

"Doberman, you look charming sticking your tongue out."

"I didn't stick my tongue out!"

Dobermann frowned, though she wanted to make a face, she held back. As the instructor of the Rhodes Island operators, her self-discipline was unmatched; perhaps only those who strictly adhered to the rules could share common ground with her.

Lin Lu casually said, "Sometimes, you can see more with your eyes closed, and besides, I don't want to lose the fighting power of my own people before the battle even starts."

"..."

Dubin stopped arguing. When Lin Lu had slightly narrowed his eyes earlier, it had made her hair stand on end and her skin feel a stinging sensation. Her definition of the doctor had changed because of this; this person who looked like the friendly older brother next door might actually be incredibly ruthless inside.

Lin Lu tapped the map displayed on the electronic device, tracing its outline with his fingers, aligning it with the data map in his mind. Seventy percent of the map matched; the map Rhodes Island obtained was never truly comprehensive, and the locations of some important facilities had been subtly replaced with inconspicuous places.

However, Rhodes Island's rescue team never intended to go there, so minor map errors weren't a big deal. After all, not everyone can be like Lin Lu, capable of digitizing everything in the world and strategizing with such authority.

"Then, I'll plan the rest of the journey. We'll avoid contact with Reunion soldiers as much as possible, unless absolutely necessary. As for the Ursus military forces... Hmph, we don't need to worry about them. Let them act all they want. Ursus is truly rotten to the core."

Lin Lu said calmly, his simple words revealing a wealth of information.

Amiya seemed to be deep in thought, as if she had made a connection to something, and her expression grew increasingly grim.

"PhD--"

"Amiya, don't worry so much. Let's talk about some things when we're safe. Time is precious." Lin Lu interrupted Amiya's question, glancing at the other members of the rescue team. Fortunately, these agents were all sensible and didn't eavesdrop on their leader's conversation.

"Um……"

Amiya lowered her ears slightly, her mood somewhat downcast.

Once an idea takes root, it spreads uncontrollably, especially among those who are willing to think about it.

Amiya then realized that the situation was worse than she had imagined.

"The wind is quite noisy today."

Lin Lu glanced at the unusual dark clouds, lost in thought.

"The wind has brought some bad things with it, hasn't it?"

Lin Lu calmly spoke to Amiya and Dobermann, and the two instantly understood what the doctor was implying.

"Amiya, have you told the Doctor... about Rhodes Island detecting that a catastrophe is about to strike Chernobog?" Dobermann asked Amiya in a low voice.

Amiya shook her head. She didn't know how the Doctor knew about this. Could he predict natural disasters just by looking at the sky? Even a seasoned messenger of natural disasters couldn't do that, right?

"How much time do we have left?" Amiya asked in a deep voice.

“Three and a half hours… In three and a half hours, the natural disaster will engulf this city.” Dubin’s face was grim. The rescue team had risked their lives to come and rescue the doctor. This was their only chance. “If we fail to leave here within this timeframe, everything will be over when the natural disaster strikes.”

"I understand."

Amiya turned and nodded to Lin Lu.

"Stand your formation! Everyone, get ready! Let's move out to the assembly point!"

……

Chernobog, the central city.

The once bustling streets have lost their former glory, and the once vibrant shops are now only scarred by the devastation of war.

The area has been almost completely suppressed by the Reunion Movement. Apart from a few military and police personnel who are still putting up a stubborn resistance, no one can stop the infected from advancing.

Cries and agonizing screams echoed beneath the thick, dark clouds as Ursus citizens, captured alive by Reunion soldiers, were stripped of their weapons and placed in the plaza. Those who resisted were killed on the spot, while the survivors huddled together, trembling with fear.

A woman begged the other party to spare her child, but was kicked back to the spot.

"When you laughed and burned my brother to death in this square, who heard my cries?"

The soldier said coldly, as he drew his long knife and held it to the woman's neck.

"This is the last warning. Stay here."

No matter how much the citizens pleaded or cried, the Reunion Movement soldiers here remained unmoved.

Some were directly persecuted, some witnessed their loved ones die tragically before their eyes, and some were already trapped in despair, on the verge of death. They all shared the same identity: Oripathy infected. Oripathy is theoretically a 100% fatal infectious disease. Currently, there is no medicine on the market that can completely cure the disease; only medications that temporarily alleviate symptoms and slightly reduce the Originium fusion rate are available—all of which are merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause.

If the disease weren't contagious, they might have received better treatment, but unfortunately... people are afraid when facing death.

This fear will turn into a flame of hatred.

People's thoughts shifted from "I don't want to die, I don't want to get Oripathy" to—it's all the infected person's fault! They're already dying, yet they drag others down with them. Can't they just find a quiet, secluded place to die peacefully? Why do they have to walk so brazenly down the street! I understand now, this infected person must be trying to drag everyone down with them. Arrest him, arrest him, arrest him and execute him!!

It seemed as if there was no place for the infected in this world, especially in the war empire of Ursus. Ursus's political propaganda instilled fear of the infected in its people, so when it came to capturing them, the public naturally took it for granted and applauded.

Even the demonstrations to expel infected people have become legitimate, and passersby are encouraged to join the frenzy to eradicate the infected.

"You, you lot, keep your arrogance while you can! When the imperial cavalry arrives, it will be your death day!"

A high-ranking Ursus man stood up and roared. He seemed unable to contain his anxiety. As a superior man, he had accumulated political capital by trampling on the lives of infected people in a politically correct way, thus securing his official career.

Imagine a white sausage on your plate jumping up and poking your fork; how could you stand that?

At the same time, he thought to himself that this was the most dangerous period, but also the best opportunity to demonstrate his value.

Throughout his tenure, he consistently projected a diplomatic image of bullying the infected, demonstrating to the public his ability to do so and publicizing his resolute fight against them, thereby gaining the support of the radical people of Ursus.

He believed that as long as he could weather this storm and the military and police reinforcements arrived to suppress these villains, his unwavering loyalty to Ursus in times of crisis would qualify him to run for the Imperial Senate seat in Chernobog.

But what he could never have guessed was...

The great Chernobog was merely a pawn.

Or rather—

He was just a discarded pawn.

Chapter Eight: A True Reflection

"Put an Originium into his mouth, the kind with lots of thorns, and then sew his mouth shut."

The kingslayer looked at the bustling square and noticed that the common people were becoming excited because of the orator's speech.

This is not good. She doesn't want to kill everyone here. One-sided slaughter won't solve the problem.

If only that person were here, that person is so smart, they would definitely be able to think of a better way... That person once told her that no matter what happened, they would stand by her side, but after saying that, they disappeared without a trace. So many years have passed, and they don't even know if they are alive or dead.

The kingslayer was somewhat melancholy, probably because so much had happened today, and gripping his weapon again gave him a sense of returning to the past.

"I'm warning you, don't lay a hand on me! Believe me or not, I'll kill you!"

"Ah!! My leg, my leg, you, you... don't come any closer!"

"Police and military! Where are the police and military?! Why haven't they arrived yet?! They're all a bunch of useless trash!"

"What are you all looking at? Help me, help me, help me!!!"

The feigned fearlessness of the high-ranking Ursus official, fueled by his emotions, was ruthlessly shattered. His knees were smashed by an infected soldier with a hammer, forcing him to his knees. Another soldier cut a grotesque piece from the crystals seeping from his own body, stuffed it into the incessantly talking speaker's mouth, pierced his upper and lower lips with several iron needles, and after confirming that the man was completely silent, delivered a heavy punch to his fat, greasy face, knocking him to the ground.

After the Ursus official fell to the ground, his first action upon struggling to get up was to scratch his face with both hands.

He wasn't terrified by the excruciating pain, but by the shards of ore stuck in his mouth, piercing his fragile tongue and tearing his throat before being swallowed. More than death, he feared becoming infected. One needle after another was pulled out, blood dripping onto the ground, half his face mangled beyond recognition. Tears and blood pooled on the ground, and he dry-retched, spitting out clumps of blood, but unable to expel the Originium. He could only frantically scratch his face and neck.

He reached out his hand to those around him, making a silent cry for help, but no one responded.

The common people quickly moved away from him, crawling far away, afraid that he might go mad and bite them.

Only at this moment did he realize that this was the truest reflection of the lives of the infected people he had been trampling under his feet.

……

"Thanks to the united efforts and swift response of the Chernobog military and police, the chaotic situation has been brought under control, and the incidents in most areas of Chernobog have been suppressed. Currently, the Chernobog military and police have surrounded the rioters entrenched on Vashuk Avenue, prioritizing the safety of the people and their property while carrying out the suppression operation. It is clear that this reckless attack, initiated by the infected, will soon come to an end. Please do not panic, stay at home, avoid crowded places as much as possible, and await the triumphant return of the military and police, awaiting another victory for Chernobog! The glory of Ursus blesses His Majesty and his people!"

The department store was a scene of devastation. Half of the LCD screen on the high platform was shattered, and the remaining image showed only the Chernobog police and soldiers united together. The voice of a television host blared through the store's loudspeakers. The desolate wind echoed through the deserted high-rise. Expensive watches, jewelry, lipsticks, perfumes, and cosmetics lay scattered on the ground, untouched by anyone.

Lin Lu put his hands in the pockets of his heavy coat, listened quietly to the radio, and his face involuntarily turned up, revealing a mocking sneer.